ATL Kosher BBQ Festival set for Oct. 18
Twenty-five pitmaster teams to compete in Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, and Chili showdowns at a new location near Perimeter Mall.
It’s almost that time of year again.
The Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation (AJLF) announces the return of the annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18.
Of note, the festival will be held at a new location this year – 66 Perimeter Center East in Dunwoody. The site is located behind Park Place shopping center, down the street from McKendrick’s.
The family-friendly event will take place, rain or shine, offering free admission to the public.
At the heart of the festival is a high-stakes Kosher BBQ Competition featuring approximately 25 pitmaster teams vying for top honors in four competitive categories: Brisket, Beef Ribs, Chicken, and Chili. Supervised strictly by the Atlanta Kashruth Commission (AKC), the event ensures complete compliance with kosher food handling requirements, allowing all spectrums of the Jewish community and broader Atlanta residents to gather and enjoy authentic Southern barbeque together.
More than 4,000 barbeque enthusiasts and community supporters attended last year’s festival.
“The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is about bringing people together across all backgrounds through a shared love of great food and community,” said Jacqueline Morris, the festival’s executive director. “Our new Dunwoody venue gives us even more space to welcome families, foodies, and competition teams for an unforgettable autumn Sunday.”
In addition to the competition, festivalgoers will enjoy:
* Delicious BBQ Tasting: public tasting tickets are $1.25 each, available both in advance online and on-site.
* Vendor Village and Live Music: explore local artisans, community organizations, and live music performances throughout the day.
* Kids’ Zone and Family Activities: interactive entertainment and fun activities designed for children of all ages.
* Silent Auction: bid on exciting packages including sporting event tickets, concert passes, dining gift cards, luxury stays, and travel opportunities.
You do not have to be Jewish to field a competition team or participate. For a $700 entry fee, the festival provides all kosher materials: two Weber kettles, charcoal, brisket, beef ribs, chicken, ground beef/beans for chili, and official rub/sauce ingredients. Teams bring a 10’ x 10’ canopy, secret recipes, and pitmaster skills. For more information about how to field a barbeque team, reach out to Jacqueline Morris at teams.AKBF@gmail.com. To inquire about vendor/sponsorship opportunities, contact Jacqueline Morris at pitboss.AKBF@gmail.com.
The AJLF is currently accepting tax-deductible item donations, including sporting event tickets, concert passes, restaurant gift cards, timeshare stays, or trips. To showcase your business to more than 4,000 attendees and contribute to the auction, please contact pitboss.AKBF@gmail.com for details.
New to the festival this year will be 50 Kosher Ducks, donated by Cheryl Dorchinsky, that will be hidden around the festival grounds. If you find a hidden Kosher Duck, come to Atlanta Jewish Times’ booth for a prize.
Proceeds from the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival benefit vital local programs and services, including Atlanta Jewish Times, Atlanta Jewish Connector, Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, and broader community outreach initiatives.